Mayor Karl Dean and Chief Steve Anderson this evening will welcome more than 50 men and women as they begin the popular 13-week Citizen Police Academy.

This is the 29th session of the program, which will be held this time in the community room at the West Precinct on Charlotte Pike. More than 1,300 persons have graduated from the Citizen Police Academy since it began in 1995.

Participants will learn about the intricacies of police work in Nashville from a variety of instructors, including MNPD experts. Topics will include gangs, domestic violence, traffic/DUI enforcement, internet crimes, emergency preparedness, crime prevention and the judicial process. There will also be a tour of the Emergency Communications Center and a demonstration by the Aviation, Canine and Mounted Units.